The Dsus2/sus4 tuning is a unique and resonant 'double modal' D tuning, meticulously crafted to open up a rich palette of suspended harmonies. Departing from common tunings like DADGAD, it features a crucial alteration: the fourth string is raised from D to E. This subtle yet significant change transforms the harmonic landscape, allowing for the natural resonance of both sus2 (with the E) and sus4 (with the G) chords directly from the open strings.

Technically, the open strings are D2-A2-E3-G3-A3-D4. This arrangement creates a powerful D root and fifth (D, A) across multiple octaves, which acts as a strong tonal center. The inclusion of the E (the 2nd) and G (the 4th) immediately establishes the characteristic suspended sound, offering a lush and expansive sonic quality without complex fingerings. This tuning is particularly well-suited for ambient soundscapes, fingerstyle arrangements, and modal explorations, providing a shimmering, open sound that can evoke a sense of yearning or vastness.

Open Chords and Accessible Shapes:

• The open strings themselves form a beautiful Dsus2sus4 chord, a rich voicing of D, E, G, and A. This makes it incredibly easy to achieve complex harmonies with minimal effort.
• By simply muting the 4th string (E) or the 3rd string (G), you can emphasize a Dsus4 or Dsus2 chord, respectively, providing immediate harmonic variation.
• A straightforward barre chord across all six strings at any fret will yield a suspended 2nd/4th chord rooted at that fret. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret produces an Esus2sus4, and at the 5th fret, a Gsus2sus4.
• The unique intervals between the middle strings (E3-G3-A3) – a minor third followed by a whole step – create compact voicings and melodic possibilities that differ significantly from standard tuning, encouraging creative fingerings and chord shapes. This layout fosters an intuitive approach to melody over a droning bass.

This tuning provides a fresh perspective on the guitar, inviting players to experiment with its inherent melodic and harmonic qualities, moving beyond traditional major/minor paradigms into a world of open, suspended, and modal voicings.

Your guitar will be tuned to the following notes, from the thickest string (6th) to the thinnest string (1st):

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: D4

How to Tune:

To achieve the Dsus2/sus4 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Note: All string adjustments in this tuning are within 2 semitones up or down. This means you generally do not need to change your string gauge. However, always tune carefully and gradually to avoid string breakage, especially when tuning up. If tuning significantly higher than 4 semitones or lower than 4 semitones for any string, consider a different string gauge for optimal tension and safety, though this is not required for the Dsus2/sus4 tuning.